The women’s draw at this year’s Wimbledon championship has been as much about who has failed to make it past round one as well as those who have.
Two days into the tournament, four out of the eight seeded players have crashed out. On Monday Sloane Stephens and Elina Svitolina suffered shock losses. US Open champion Stephens won only four games against Donna Vekic and Svitolina faded away in the third set against Tatjana Maria. A day later two-time champion Petra Kvitova was stunned by Aliaksandra Sasnovich. A player yet to go beyond the second round at Wimbledon. Completing the quartet of casualties is Caroline Garcia, who went out to former junior champion Belinda Bencic.
“I think the first rounds are always tough. But I don’t think it’s just me. I think it’s all of the seeded players, the favourites of the matches.” Kvitova said following her loss.
In the men’s draw, three of the top-10 seeds have gone out. Grigor Dimitrov succumbed to three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka and David Goffin came up short against Australia’s Matthew Ebden. Dominic Thiem also exit the draw, but due to injury. Retiring after two sets against Marcos Baghdatis. It is the first time three top 10 seeds have lost in the first round of the men’s tournament since 1998.
Following the misfortunes of the high-profile players on the WTA Tour, once again questions have been raised about the depth of women’s tennis. It is an argument that has two clear perspectives. With the exception of Serena Williams in recent years, female players have been criticised for their lack of consistency. On the other hand, it is argued that it is the variety that makes the women’s game more interesting to fans compared to their male counterparts. Since 2006, only Stan Wawrinka and Juan Martin del Potro have won a grand slam title outside of the big four. A group comprised of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
“I’ve said it many times, I really believe it: here on the grass, you don’t know what to expect. Some players can play their best tennis. The top players can play a little bit less. You never know.” Said top seed Simona Halep.
“I think every match is important here. Every match can go either way.”
Maria Sharapova was another high-profile name to Exit The All England Club. In her opening match, she was edged out 6-7(3), 7-6(3), 6-4, by Vitalia Diatchenko in a three-hour marathon. The Russian former world No.1 was questioned about the depth of the women’s tour, but refrained from giving a direct response.
“I can only speak about the opponent I played against today.” Sharapova replied. “I mean, she played all or nothing. She’s already gotten three matches at this tournament. Not at Wimbledon, at another venue.”
It is unfair to brand women’s tennis as something of a hit-or-miss sport. Especially when all four seeds at their year’s Wimbledon are also reigning grand slam champions. Furthermore, 21 seeded players have gone out in the singles prior to the second round. 11 in the men’s draw and 10 in the women’s. Although the attention seems to be always focused on the performance of the women’s tour.
The WTA Tour is by no means consistent at times, but it is neither in the state of crises that some want the public to believe. It is acceptable to criticise women’s tennis, but only if you have a look at the wider picture too.
